on believing and being

The Filipino has been under Spanish colonization for over three centuries.

The most notable residue of this occupation is, of course, the very fact that we had been baptized as Catholics, given Catholic names, and learnt Catholic values. Although the propagation of the religion has been difficult, against opposition, revolt and contradiction from the early Filipino nationalists, –the likes of Jose Rizal –Catholicism has proliferated across the country.

Years hence, there have been changes in terms of diversity in the aspect of Filipino faith as we have welcomed and embraced other forms of faith but many have remained devout Catholics and have preserved the religious legacies from the past.

The annual translacion of the Black Nazarene around the bustling Manila to its home in Quiapo Church has been, for years, one of the most celebrated and documented events of the Catholic Church.

This year, a sea of people in maroon and yellow shirts has flooded the streets, mostly barefooted, just to get a glimpse of the black saint. The panata is a form of regular religious sacrifice, either to pay gratitude to the patron, ask for a miracle, or simply send praises.

But aside from this magnanimous display of religiosity, this year’s translacion which gathered the most number of devotees, also tolled the most number of persons injured.

The rubbish left on the streets was humungous. And the rage that many devotees have showed towards a suspected snatcher was rather ironic, defying the supposed significance of the holy practice.

A day after, the suspect came out of national TV, countering all allegations. The man was found to be well-off, and a devout believer of the Black Nazarene.

Judgmental the people were. Sadly.

Although I have been born and lived Catholic to date, I find rather hard to understand why some Catholics do not live with what they say they believe. While I respect, to the point of admiring these devotees, I can’t help asking why they seem to forget one important principle that is superior over any religious dogma – RESPECT itself.

Was it not a manifestation of faith if they respected the alleged criminal?

Was it not a manifestation of faith if they avoided clutter and respected the streets?

We still boil down to one bottom line, RESPECT.